Eye strain symptoms and how to relieve them

Eye strain symptoms and how to relieve them

Eye strain can be an uncomfortable and annoying phenomenon. And with so many of us spending more time than ever looking at screens, the issue is increasingly common. But while eye strain can be bothersome, there are fortunately some straightforward ways to ease the symptoms and make sure you’re keeping up with your eye care. 

So whether you find yourself experiencing a persistent eye twitch from using the computer or reading is giving you a headache, read on for our advice on recognising eye strain symptoms and reducing the discomfort.

What does eye strain feel like?

Eye strain can manifest in a range of ways. You might notice you’re having to squint to see clearly, which then leads to a headache and sensitivity to light. 

In other cases, your eyes may feel sore and dry — rubbing your eyes can be a classic sign of eye strain. Some people find their eyes become watery or they notice blurred or double vision. 

Have you ever noticed an ongoing twitch in your eyelid? That could be eye strain, too. 

All of these suggest your eyes could do with a break — but how can you rest them and relieve that eye strain?

What causes eye strain?

The first place to start is to work out the reason behind your discomfort. There are many different causes of eye strain but here are a few of the most common culprits.

Excessive screen time

Working on a computer, playing video games, or looking at your phone screen for prolonged periods involves close-up screen time and exposure to bright light — this causes the lens of your eye to contract. When your lenses are constantly contracting they don’t have a chance to relax, so your eyes end up feeling fatigued. 

Most of us blink less when we’re looking at screens, too, which can contribute to eye dryness and itching.

Reading for a long time

While reading might not involve the same levels of light as digital screens, the close-up concentration can also lead to eye strain. 

Trying to see in low light

In the past, people thought that reading in the dark could permanently damage your eyes. Luckily for nighttime bookworms, this isn’t the case — however, reading and searching for things in low lighting can cause temporary eye strain.

Stress

It’s no secret that stress can affect every part of your body — and that includes your eyes. Higher adrenaline and cortisol levels during times of stress and anxiety can result in intraocular eye pressure, which may lead to blurred vision, light sensitivity, and eye strain.

Driving

If you’ve noticed eye strain after a long car journey, you’re not alone. Driving involves a lot of concentration and vision focus, often adapting to different light levels, so, naturally, your eyes might feel fatigued.

How to ease eye strain

Once you know the likely cause of your eye strain, you can take steps to relieve it.

Rest your eyes

In most cases, resting your eyes is one of the best ways to get eye strain relief. Resting your eyes doesn’t necessarily mean having a nap, but simply letting your eyes relax. 

When using a computer or device, for example, taking regular screen breaks can do wonders to ease the symptoms of eye strain. Try the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at a point at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. 

Try a blue light filter

When using devices, using a blue light filter or opting for a softer backlit setting can be kinder on your eyes for some people.

Keep your eyes lubricated

Dryness can be a tell-tale sign of eye strain and it often stems from a lack of blinking. Making sure you blink regularly can help to keep your eyes lubricated, but you can also try moisturising eye drops. There are even contact lens eye drops available if you wear them,  to help keep your eyes hydrated.

Make sure you have the right glasses or contact lens prescription

Having the wrong lens prescription is another classic cause of eye strain, so it’s essential to have regular eye exams so you know your glasses or contact lenses are up to date. 

The same goes for your sunglasses — it’s important to shield your eyes from bright light and UV rays but if you’re long or short-sighted, you also need to make sure you have the right prescription lenses.

We recommend regular eye  tests (at least every two years) to keep on top of any vision changes. In the meantime, if you notice you’re squinting or straining more than usual to see, then it’s a wise idea to book an eye test.

Visit Bayfields Opticians for your eye care needs

In most cases, eye strain is an uncomfortable but temporary condition. But if you’ve noticed any new and ongoing symptoms of eye strain, it’s a good idea to visit an optician to see if your eyesight prescription needs updating.

Find your local Bayfields branch to arrange an eye test with our friendly team of eye care specialists.